A racing protocol will be released shortly for the fair events and participants will be required to adhere to those at each stop on the circuit. Participants can expect protocols to be similar to those in place at pari-mutuel tracks. Unique to the fairs, we will request that horsemen race out of their trailers as much as practical to reduce the sanitizing burden on county fair personnel.
"This is a very difficult time for fair associations, and many are disappointed to cancel the fairs they have worked all year to plan," said M. Kelly Young, executive director, Agriculture & NYS Horse Breeding Development Fund.
"In spite of this, we have been overwhelmed by the support of fairs throughout the state that remain committed to offering a racing program during these unusual times. This cooperation allows the Fund to advance our mission of supporting agricultural fairs and allows the fairs to continue their deep-seated traditions of harness racing. We are looking forward to the start of the season on July 9 and a unique finale at Goshen over Labor Day weekend."